• About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • List Stock
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Newsletter
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • Latest News
  • Features
    • Sustainability
    • Diversity
    • Community Support
    • Technology Update
    • Traffic Management and Safety
  • Contracts and tenders awarded
  • Regions
    • ACT
    • Australia
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
  • Events
  • Resources
No Results
View All Results
  • Latest News
  • Features
    • Sustainability
    • Diversity
    • Community Support
    • Technology Update
    • Traffic Management and Safety
  • Contracts and tenders awarded
  • Regions
    • ACT
    • Australia
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
  • Events
  • Resources
No Results
View All Results
Home

Crystal-clear communications for a safer industrial environment

by Staff Writer
February 1, 2017
in Industry News, Latest News, Technology Update, Traffic Management and Safety
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
Noise attenuation headsets and two-way radio communicators are an essential part of safety in noisy workplaces. An effective communications headset solution with group communicator capability ensures clear communication and maximises personal safety and process efficiency.
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Noise attenuation headsets and two-way radio communicators are an essential part of safety in noisy workplaces. An effective communications headset solution with group communicator capability ensures clear communication and maximises personal safety and process efficiency.Noise attenuation headsets and two-way radio communicators are an essential part of safety in noisy workplaces. An effective communications headset solution with group communicator capability ensures clear transfer of information between employees, delivers situational awareness, and maximises personal safety and process efficiency.

Headsets that are comfortable to wear and easy to use also provide another benefit – they are the key to minimising the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and other health conditions such as tinnitus.

Practical and effective noise conservation programs and products are essential in Australian workplaces. Between 2002 and 2007 there were 16,500 successful workers’ compensation claims for permanent hearing loss due to noise in industrial environments1.    

Key components of an effective hearing conservation and industrial communications solution include:

Verbal communications

A communication headset and two-way radio combination must provide clear and interference-free transfer of voice communication to be considered as an effective tool.

On mine sites where workers are routinely exposed to noisy environments, and need to have the ability to hear alarms, it is imperative they have appropriate equipment at their disposal. This helps them complete assignments and communicate clearly with each other and maintain situational awareness of sources of audible signals, such as vehicle beepers and reversing indicators.

Some may see a mobile phone as the answer to these communication issues. However, mobile handsets are not always practical since they can lead to dangerous distractions, and in many mines, their use is either restricted or banned.

For example, in 2013 the Queensland Government’s Mine Inspectorate investigated several serious injuries sustained by miners because they were accessing social media while operating heavy machinery2.

Improved productivity

Productivity is a key performance indicator of any modern industrial operation. Companies continuously seek to manage and control costs. They also want to improve workplace safety standards to demonstrate commitment to the wellbeing of employees, which maintains and increases morale and helps with increased productivity and reduced downtime.

A report from Sweden’s Lund University3 found that two-way radio headsets can save 85 minutes of critical downtime. The ‘downtime’ in the study is defined as single measurements for one minute or more where no direct work is performed, such as walking between places at the site, shorter breaks, reading drawings, looking for material or equipment, and talking to co-workers to solve problems.

This study also found the critical downtime saved from using the headsets equated a total of 37 hours on a normal 26-week project.

An effective noise attenuating, communications solution eliminates the need to leave noisy areas in order to have a conversation – or worse, remove the hearing protector, even if only for a brief moment.

Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss

Effective radios and headsets should prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Industrial activities, including use of pneumatic tools, machinery and heavy equipment make very loud noises and cause a variety of hearing issues with workers.

In some cases, a poorly manufactured headset can be the cause of hearing problems due to issues such as ‘acoustic shock’.

According to Safe Work Australia3, acoustic shock is defined as a “sudden, unexpected loud noises occurring during telephone headset use, including crackles, hisses, whistles, shrieks or high-pitched noises”.

Background noise can also add to the problem because operators may raise the volume in their headsets to improve hearing, which in turn increases the volume of any peripheral noise coming though the headset.

The only effective and legal solution to this problem is to have a headset that is designed to minimise, or even stop, issues relating to hearing loss.

The Solution – 3M™ PELTOR™ range of level-dependent, ambient-noise attenuating communications headsets with in-built UHF two-way radios

3M’s PELTOR™ range is the market leader for communication headset and two-way radio solutions.

The headsets and radio combinations deliver exceptional performance in the three key aforementioned aspects of an industrial communications network:

  • effective two-way radio communications;
  • facilitate workplace productivity improvement; and
  • prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.

These high-quality and robust solutions can be used in a wide range of industrial contexts including underground coalmines, high-noise construction sites, warehouses and manufacturing industries.

Click here to view 3M’s complete range of Hearing & Communication products.

  1. http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/mine-workers-put-safety-risk-using-social-media-jo/1719126/
  2. http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1136724O/3mpeltor-litecom-universitystudy.pdf
  3. https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/CoPManagingNoisePreventingHearingLossWork.pdf
Premium Ad
20

POA

CATERPILLAR AP-600

  • » Listing Type: Used
Location marker The shape of a location marker

East Wagga Wagga, NSW

02 8999 3786
MORE DETAILS
18

$192,500

2017 CATERPILLAR AP355FLRC

  • » Listing Type: Used
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3171 1725
MORE DETAILS
7

$104,500

2011 CATERPILLAR AP-300

  • » Listing Type: Used
Location marker The shape of a location marker

South Guildford, WA

08 6500 0978
MORE DETAILS
23

$165,000

2017 CATERPILLAR AP300FLRC

  • » Listing Type: Used
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3171 1725
MORE DETAILS
18

POA

CATERPILLAR AP500E

  • » Listing Type: Used
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Moorebank, NSW

02 6171 3138
MORE DETAILS
11

$353,650

2011 TEREX CR352RX

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
  • » Max paving width - mm: 6,100
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3073 8184
MORE DETAILS
5

$110,000

2007 BLAW-KNOX PF150

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3073 8184
MORE DETAILS
24

$270,435

LEEBOY PF161B

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
  • » Max paving width - mm: 3,200
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3073 8184
MORE DETAILS
8

$105,000

2007 BLAW-KNOX PF150

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3073 8184
MORE DETAILS
4

$8,000

1974 BLAW-KNOX BK-20

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
  • » Max paving width - mm: 2,440
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Eltham, VIC

03 8373 7151
MORE DETAILS
1

$15,000

BLAW-KNOX BK 170

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Tyred
  • » Max paving width - mm: 1,370
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Eltham, VIC

03 8373 7151
MORE DETAILS
6

$304,220

2008 TEREX CR662RM

  • » Listing Type: Used
  • » Category: Crawler
Location marker The shape of a location marker

Acacia Ridge, QLD

07 3073 8184
MORE DETAILS

Related Posts

ANA Asphalts’ new asphalt and spraying division has been given a big boost with its new SRE telescopic sprayer. Images: ANA Asphalts.

SRE: The first step

by Tom O'Keane
July 15, 2025

A handover event has cemented a first in what’s expected to be a long stretch of milestones for both ANA...

Sydney Metro has shortlisted three consortia for works to deliver an integrated station and precinct development, which includes the design and construction of the new metro station at Sydney Olympic Park.

Shortlist revealed for Sydney Metro station contract

by Tom O'Keane
July 15, 2025

Sydney Metro has shortlisted three consortia for works to deliver an integrated station and precinct development, which includes the design...

HT Road Surfacing’s RP175ex on site. Images: Astec.

Joining the Astec family

by Tom O'Keane
July 14, 2025

HT Road Surfacing, a proud family-owned and local company, has purchased its first Astec unit. Representatives from HT Road Surfacing...

Join our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.
Catering to Australia’s civil and road construction industry, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine is a key source for industry decision-makers looking to keep up to date with important issues, developments, projects and innovations shaping the industry today.

Subscribe to our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.

About Roads And Infrastructure

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Latest Magazine
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Collection Notice
  • Privacy Policy

Popular Topics

  • Latest News
  • Contracts and tenders awarded
  • Project Report
  • Events
  • Special Features

Our TraderAds Network

  • Arbor Age
  • Australian Car Mechanic
  • Australian Mining
  • Australian Resources & Investment
  • Big Rigs
  • Bulk Handling Review
  • Bus News
  • Cranes & Lifting
  • Earthmoving Equipment Magazine
  • EcoGeneration
  • Energy Today
  • Food & Beverage
  • Fully Loaded
  • Global Trailer
  • Inside Construction
  • Inside Waste
  • Inside Water
  • Landscape Contractor Magazine
  • Manufacturers' Monthly
  • MHD Supply Chain
  • National Collision Repairer
  • OwnerDriver
  • Power Torque
  • Prime Mover Magazine
  • Quarry
  • Roads Online
  • Rail Express
  • Safe To Work
  • The Australian Pipeliner
  • Trade Earthmovers
  • Trade Farm Machinery
  • Trade Plant Equipment
  • Trade Trucks
  • Trade Unique Cars
  • Tradie Magazine
  • Trailer Magazine
  • Trenchless Australasia
  • Waste Management Review

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited

No Results
View All Results
NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE
MARKETPLACE
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Contracts and tenders awarded
    • Project Report
  • Features
    • Sustainability
    • Diversity
    • Community Support
    • Technology Update
    • Traffic Management and Safety
  • Events
  • Regions
    • ACT
    • Australia
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
  • Latest Magazine
  • Resources
  • Marketplace
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • List Stock

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited